Table of contents:
- What was the actual weaponry of the Vikings
- What were the characters of the Vikings
- How the Vikings lived in peacetime
Video: What were the Vikings in fact, and how to determine the makings of a Viking
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Thanks to popular films and books, today many modern myths, fanned by a halo of romance and adventure, have arisen around the ancient Vikings. However, recent historical research has revealed a lot about the life, travel and wars of the ancients from the Scandinavians.
What was the actual weaponry of the Vikings
Most often, when imagining a Viking, the common man's imagination draws a bearded warrior in a horned helmet. However, for all the time of archaeological research, the horned helmet was found only once, and even that one was most likely used for ritual purposes. The Vikings wore ordinary helmets without any horns.
But until recently, scientists have paid much less attention to such an element of armament and protection as a shield than it should have. According to recent studies, a round shield with a metal umbon (a sphere in the middle) was used by the Vikings in battle much more actively than was previously thought, together with an ax, turning into a formidable attacking weapon in the hands of skilled warriors.
One of the most important discoveries of recent times was the reassessment of the role of the sword in the life of the Vikings. The fact is that a good sword cost a lot of money and was often passed down within the family from generation to generation. Naturally, in such a situation, the sword was treated very, very carefully. According to the conclusion of scientists, even the best swords of the Vikings were not so strong, so it was too expensive to use these weapons in battles, and very few could afford to fight with a sword. Most of the ancient Scandinavians preferred to go to battle with axes, and swords played a more status role in their lives. The better and more expensive the sword hangs on the warrior's belt, the more loot he had, which means the higher his merits, valor and luck.
What were the characters of the Vikings
I must say that the Vikings valued the success of their leader above all other talents and valor. However, in their understanding, the concept of luck had a broader meaning than in our time. If simple warriors returned from a campaign alive and with good prey, then their leader was lucky, and many more warriors and other leaders could go on the next campaign with him.
A common misconception is that the Vikings are hot-tempered, uncontrollable, cruel and even bloodthirsty people. But if they really were like that, several dozen armed maniacs-thugs simply could not get along in peace for many weeks of sea voyages on a small ship. According to historical information, strict discipline and a clear hierarchy reigned among the Vikings.
As for the robberies and murders that were attributed to the ancient warriors, you need to understand that a thousand years ago, the system of relationships in society, as well as the concepts of good and evil, were very different from modern ones. It is not worth judging our distant ancestors from the point of view of modern morality.
How the Vikings lived in peacetime
A lot of interesting things can also be told about the peaceful life of the Vikings. The Vikings were very clean, which is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds of combs, razors and special tongs. The inhabitants of the British Isles, after the first meetings with the Vikings, even nicknamed them clean-ups for their habit of washing at least once a week, which was very common at that time. To this day, in some Scandinavian dialects, Saturday is designated as the day of washing.
By the way, the modern Icelandic language is very close to the Old Norse language, so even Icelandic schoolchildren can safely read the ancient Viking epics in the original.
Contrary to popular belief, most Vikings were ordinary farmers, not warriors. Ancient Scandinavian women could choose their own husbands, and men could have several wives. At the same time, Viking women often took part in campaigns, sharing all the hardships and hardships on an equal basis with men, participating in battles and claiming their share of the booty.
Of course, the Vikings were very extraordinary people, leaving a noticeable mark in the history of the ancient world and greatly influencing modern human civilization. It is quite possible that in each of us, modern people, some part of these ancient farmers, navigators and warriors has been preserved.
Recommended:
Where did the boots, the ushanka hat and other things come from, which are considered primordially Russian, but in fact they are not
Some things are considered primordially Russian, although in reality this is not at all the case. If they had not received their second birth in Russia, then perhaps today only historians would know about them. It's great when the best inventions become available to people. It doesn't matter who invented them. It is important that they bring joy and benefit to people. Read about felt boots, which were actually invented by Iranian nomads, about the famous Gzhel, which became such thanks to Chinese porcelain, and about a hat with earflaps, which
How Soviet soldiers survived, who were carried into the ocean for 49 days, and How they were met in the USA and the USSR after they were rescued
In the early spring of 1960, the crew of the American aircraft carrier Kearsarge discovered a small barge in the middle of the ocean. On board were four emaciated Soviet soldiers. They survived by feeding on leather belts, tarpaulin boots and industrial water. But even after 49 days of extreme drift, the soldiers told the American sailors who found them something like this: help us only with fuel and food, and we will get home ourselves
How were the trials of Nazi accomplices: How they were investigated and what they were accused of
At one time, these people were sure that their actions did not run counter to either the law or morality. Men and women who did their work as guards in concentration camps or otherwise contributing to the development of fascism, could not even imagine that they would have to appear not only before the judgment of God, but also to answer for their actions before people, according to the letter of the law. Their crimes against humanity deserve the most severe reckoning, but they are often ready to bargain for the slightest ambassador
Vikings and the path of the Vikings to the East through Ancient Russia
For several centuries, before and after 1000, Western Europe was constantly attacked by "Vikings" - warriors who sailed on ships from Scandinavia. Therefore, the period from about 800 to 1100. AD in the history of Northern Europe is called the "Viking Age". Those who were attacked by the Vikings perceived their campaigns as purely predatory, but they pursued other goals
From pagans to Bolsheviks: How families were created in Russia, who were refused marriage and when they were allowed to divorce
Today, in order to get married, a couple in love only needs to apply to the registry office. Everything is very simple and accessible. People easily tie themselves by marriage and divorce just as often. And it's even difficult to imagine that once the creation of a family was associated with many rituals, and there were only a few (and very compelling) reasons for divorce